THE £1million transformation of a former military site into a green beauty spot has begun with the planting of 100 trees on the site. 

Dozens of people attended the official start of works on the Gunny Project, on Canvey, over the weekend as mental health Trust Links prepares to turn the land into a therapeutic garden and community space. 

During the Second World War, the Gunny was an anti-aircraft gun battery and barracks before being transformed into a park in the 1960s.  

First work - The planting of the first trees at the Gunny First work - The planting of the first trees at the Gunny (Image: Trust Links) Ten years later, one of the first skate parks in the UK was built on the site but over the years a lack of funding meant it fell into ruin. 

Now, Trust Links is overseeing the transformation and creation of a community building, children’s play park, outdoor gym, and environmentally friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, trees and wildflower meadow.

Trust Links CEO Matt King said: “It was excellent event, we were celebrating the launch of the project, and it will start now, we have appointed main contractors to do the build and have it completed by July next year.

“We planted some trees, and we are turning it into a nice green space and the Mayor of Castle Point, Lyndsey McCarthy-Calvert was also at the event.Community - The Trust Links team and people across the Canvey community Community - The Trust Links team and people across the Canvey community (Image: Trust Links)

“In the 70s it was a skate park, one of the first, so there is tarmac and one lonely goal post there it is quite a bit run down, and it has a lot of litter.

“I am told that residents remember playing there as kids, but it has become a no-go zone and all you get over there is the odd dogwalker.”

The work will see a “breath of life” given to the garden alongside a children’s play area and outdoor gym equipment place there.

A community hub building with activity rooms, a kitchen, and gazebo will also be built at the site.

Mr King added: “There is a lot of utility and there are some paths snaking through the garden, we are planting trees and developing the area, as well as planting 100 saplings.

“If anyone wants to support, we are still seeking funds and we are needing revenue, as it will be a wonderful project for the people of Canvey.”